Former Rochelle Township High School student-athlete Mason DeLille has faced some early challenges in his collegiate soccer and track careers at Carthage College. But DeLille said he’s optimistic for the future, and he plans to remain active with both programs.
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Former Rochelle Township High School student-athlete Mason DeLille has faced some early challenges in his collegiate soccer and track careers at Carthage College. But DeLille said he’s optimistic for the future, and he plans to remain active with both programs.
“My experience so far has been incredible,” DeLille said. “The coaches are very knowledgeable and they are great at relaying their experience through their coaching. The teammates I’ve had have been wonderful and I’ve already made several friends through both sports… I’m not 100 percent sure if I’m going to do both sports next year, but the possibility remains very high.”
DeLille’s freshman soccer season saw him competing against multiple other goalkeepers for minutes, and he spent the bulk of his time with the junior varsity team. His freshman track and field season progressed through the indoor season, but was ultimately cut down after the NCAA canceled all spring athletics to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“My freshman soccer season didn’t go how I planned,” DeLille said. “I managed to play in a few games and show I belonged. My teammates were wonderful and I enjoyed every practice because of them. My freshman track season was tough, mainly because it ended up only being indoors. My legs weren’t 100 percent, so I wasn’t able to perform my best, but I had a lot of fun regardless. My coaches and teammates are incredible and I look forward to track every day.”
DeLille participated in seven meets for the Carthage College track and field team this season including the UW Parkside Classic on Feb. 8, when he finished fourth overall with a season-best mark of 41 feet 3 ¾ inches in the triple jump. His top high-jump performance came during the 2020 ONU Invitational on Feb. 1, clearing 5-9 ¼ to take ninth overall. DeLille completed his freshman season with three top-6 placements in the triple jump.
“My teammates and I aren’t happy with how the season ended so abruptly, as we were all looking forward to competing outdoors,” DeLille said. “We can’t control the circumstances, but now that we’re all home, we have the opportunity to train harder for next season. I want to improve my health, and I want to take the extra time I have to maintain a fresh and healthy body while strengthening myself so I can come out with blazing numbers my sophomore year.”
